Someone owes you money. You've asked nicely. You've sent a demand letter. They're still ignoring you. Now what?
Small claims court — and it's far more accessible than most people realize. You don't need a lawyer. You don't need legal experience. You need your evidence organized and to show up.
What Is Small Claims Court?
Small claims court is a division of civil court designed for disputes involving relatively small amounts of money. It's built to be simple and fast — the rules of evidence are relaxed, proceedings are informal, and most cases are decided on the spot.
Filing fees typically run $30–$75. Hearings are usually scheduled within 30–70 days of filing. You present your case directly to a judge. No attorneys required — in fact, many states discourage or prohibit attorney representation in small claims.
What's the Dollar Limit?
Each state sets its own cap on small claims amounts:
- California: $12,500 (individuals), $6,250 (businesses)
- Texas: $20,000
- New York: $10,000 (City Court), $3,000 (Town/Village)
- Florida: $8,000
- Illinois: $10,000
Most states fall in the $5,000–$15,000 range. If your dispute is under that limit, small claims is almost always the right move.
What Cases Win in Small Claims?
The strongest small claims cases involve:
- Unpaid invoices or contracts — you performed, they didn't pay
- Security deposit disputes — landlord kept your deposit without proper documentation
- Property damage — someone damaged your property and won't compensate you
- Personal loans — you loaned money with a paper trail and it wasn't repaid
- Defective goods or services — paid for something that wasn't delivered as promised
The common thread: documentation. Judges in small claims move fast. Cases with contracts, invoices, texts, and a clear timeline win. Cases built on "they said / I said" with no paper trail are much harder.
Step-by-Step: How to File
Send a demand letter first
Most states require — or strongly expect — that you attempted to resolve the matter before filing. A demand letter also shows the judge you acted reasonably. If you haven't sent one, do it now.
Identify the right court and defendant
File in the small claims court in the county where the defendant lives or does business. For individuals, confirm their legal name and address. For businesses, confirm whether they're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation — the entity you sue must match their legal name exactly.
Complete and file your complaint
Pick up the small claims complaint form at the courthouse or download it from the court's website. You'll describe the dispute, state the amount you're claiming, and explain why you're entitled to it. Keep it factual and specific. Pay the filing fee — typically $30–$75.
Serve the defendant
The court usually handles service — they'll mail or personally serve the defendant with a copy of your complaint and the hearing date. Confirm the method your court uses and that it was completed before your hearing.
Organize your evidence
Bring everything: the original contract or agreement, invoices, receipts, bank statements showing non-payment, text messages, emails, photos, the demand letter you sent, and proof it was received. Make three copies of everything — one for you, one for the judge, one for the defendant.
Show up and present clearly
Be on time. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Tell your story in chronological order. Stick to the facts. Hand up your evidence. Let the judge control the pace. Most hearings last 10–20 minutes.
After You Win: Collecting on Your Judgment
A judgment is a legal declaration that you're owed money. Collecting it is a separate step. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, your options include wage garnishment, bank levy, and property liens — all enforceable with the court's help.
Judgments typically earn interest (often 7–10% annually depending on state) from the date of judgment until paid. This creates ongoing pressure on the defendant to settle.
The Bottom Line
Small claims court is one of the most underused tools available to ordinary people. For disputes under $10,000–$15,000, it's faster, cheaper, and more effective than any alternative. Most people who have a legitimate claim and decent documentation win.
The Small Claims Filing Kit includes step-by-step filing instructions for all 50 states, AI-drafted complaint templates personalized to your case type, an evidence organization checklist, and a hearing prep guide — everything you need to walk in prepared and walk out with a judgment.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.